Symptoms of Acne

Acne presents with a variety of symptoms including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, inflammation, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.

Pimples:
- These are raised bumps on the skin that can be red, inflamed, and tender to the touch. Pimples can contain pus and may vary in size.

Blackheads:
- Also known as open comedones, blackheads appear as small, dark spots on the skin's surface. They occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to oxidation and darkening of the pore.

Whiteheads:
- Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are similar to blackheads but appear as small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. They occur when the follicle opening is blocked with oil and skin cells, trapping bacteria and leading to inflammation.

Papules:
- Papules are small, raised bumps on the skin that are typically red and tender. They occur when hair follicles become inflamed due to excess oil and bacterial buildup.

Pustules:
- Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus at their tips. They appear as red, swollen bumps with a white or yellow center and can be painful to the touch.

Nodules:
- Nodules are large, solid lumps beneath the skin's surface that are painful and tender. They result from the buildup of oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells deep within the hair follicles.

Cysts:
- Cysts are deep, pus-filled lumps that are larger and more severe than pustules or nodules. They are painful, tender, and can cause scarring if not treated promptly.

Inflammation:
- Acne can cause inflammation in the affected areas, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness of the skin.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may cause discomfort, tenderness, and emotional distress.

Updated on: 23/05/2024